Providers were glad to see CMS' ruling (CMS-1455-R) released March 13 (published in the Federal Register on March 18), which allows full Part B payment for inpatient stays that had been denied as not reasonable and necessary. The ruling had very few details on how the process would work, but on March 22, CMS published Transmittal R1203OTN instructing contractors and providers on the details.
OPPS costs rose approximately $1 billion more than expected in 2014 due to a CMS overestimation of the impact of laboratory packaging changes, according to the 2016 OPPS proposed rule. As a result, CMS proposes a 2% reduction to the 2016 conversion factor. CMS also proposes to expand laboratory packaging from date of service to the claim level.
Our experts answer questions about, modifier -25, cardioversion performed during an ED code, denials for multiple port film line items, and procedure discontinued after administration of anesthesia.
Our experts answer questions about modifiers for diagnostic interventional procedures, Medicare recognition of CPT ® code 9066, reporting add-on code for psychotherapy with interactive complexity, reporting G0378 for all payers, and wound care coding.
Successful appeals can actually lead to CMS policy changes. Facilities have been successfully appealing to receive Part B payments after a Medicare review contractor denied a Part A stay as not medically necessary. As a result, CMS is changing its policy on rebilling for Part B services.
In January 2013, CMS introduced 42 therapy functional reporting G codes (nonpayable). These G codes are to be reported in conjunction with therapy services (physical, occupational, and speech). CMS also introduced seven complexity/severity modifiers to be used with these G codes.
Our experts answer questions on payment rates for scans, bronchodilator treatment, the inpatient-only list, stereotactic radiosurgery, bill exposure with arthrodesis, and more.
Our coding experts answer questions about reporting dialysis for ESRD patient in ED, coding for sequential infusions, procedures on the inpatient-only list, replacement code for C9732, and new drug HCPCS codes.